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About

Mitsuru Naganuma is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, with a focus on robot-assisted therapy and education for vulnerable populations. His work centers on using robotic pets and humanoid robots to improve quality of life for elderly people with dementia and children in medical and educational settings. Naganuma’s most cited study (11 citations) introduced a robotic pet as a multimedia education interface for preschoolers in kindergarten, demonstrating how robots can enhance learning engagement. He also conducted influential trials (9 citations) using humanoid robots for physical activity rehabilitation in elderly individuals, showing that robot-led exercises can support dementia care. His research on robot therapy (5 citations) tracked elderly people’s emotional and behavioral responses over time, providing key insights into the therapeutic benefits of robotic companions. Naganuma has also developed accessible control consoles for therapists and designed reaction time measurement systems to evaluate robot-assisted activities. His work bridges engineering, psychology, and gerontology, offering practical, evidence-based approaches to integrating robots into care and education. With a career dedicated to compassionate technology, Naganuma’s studies continue to inform the design of interactive robots that support human well-being across the lifespan.